Mike Tyson dominantly defends his World Heavyweight Boxing Championship against the former champion, Michael Spinks, in 91 seconds to hand him his only career loss
On June 27, 1988, Mike Tyson defeated Michael Spinks in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to retain the Heavyweight Boxing Championship of the World. The fight featured the undefeated reigning champion in Iron Mike, against a retired champion in Spinks, who retired as the titleholder and never had a loss himself. The bout lasted less than one round, with Tyson KO’ing the St. Louis native in just 91 seconds.
Billed as “Once and For All,” the bout matched Tyson’s intimidating power against Spinks’ undefeated record and status as the lineal heavyweight champion, finally settling years of debate over the division’s true king.
Tyson entered the ring with his trademark aura of intimidation, while Spinks, a former light heavyweight champion who had successfully moved up in weight, carried a perfect 31-0 record. Many believed Spinks possessed the boxing intelligence to trouble Tyson, but those hopes disappeared almost immediately.
